Overview of Autonomic Disorders - Blair Grubb, MD

Dr. Blair Grubb presented an insightful overview of autonomic disorders, focusing heavily on Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and its underlying mechanisms. He detailed the complexity of the autonomic nervous system, explaining how it regulates vital bodily functions through a complex network that can fail, leading to disorders like POTS. POTS is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing and involves symptoms such as dizziness and cognitive impairment, which can overlap with other conditions. Dr. Grubb discussed the diagnostic challenges and the use of tilt table testing to provoke symptoms in a controlled setting, allowing for better understanding and management. Treatments often include a combination of lifestyle modifications, pharmacological options like beta-blockers, and cautious use of saline infusions. Dr. Grubb highlighted the potential autoimmune aspect of POTS, suggesting ongoing research into immunosuppressive treatments, while emphasizing caution due to the significant side effects involved.